Bob was a young farmer, renting some land from old Willy Winters. One month Bob was short on cash. He came to Willy and stated that he couldn't make a full payment that month. Willy smoked Pall Malls and the smoke curled up around his wrinkled face. After a pause, he asked, "You worried about this, Bob?"

"Well, yes, I'm worried about it," Bob admitted."Good. Then I'm not because the right guy is."

Responsibility means being "the right guy," the one who takes care of it, the one who gets it done. Will you take responsibility for what you've been given? Will you follow through on your promises? Will you be be good to your word, and handle your commitments?

Taking responsibility is a key characteristic of manhood (and womanhood, but I'm ranting about men now). Taking a cultural pulse, I sense that the modern man struggles with responsibility. In fact, some men celebrate or brag when they have worked themselves out of responsibility. Movies about bumbling, slacker guys are funny, but they represent a sad reality. How long can I mooch off others, play video games, and avoid any sacrifice? Should our model for manhood be Homer Simpson or a character from any Seth Rogen film?

Bob made good on all his debts. In fact, he's still making good on his word today. My father-in-law raised an exceptional daughter. I experience the blessing of his responsibility. Having godly models of manhood in a father and a father-in-law, I pick up my duties with honor. I'm "the right guy" for for the responsibilities I've been given.